On April 28, 2018, by a vote of 393 to 13, the House of Representatives approved H.R. 4, the “FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018,” a five-year bill to reauthorize the programs of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). During debate, Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR), ranking member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, made a final effort to remove statutory restrictions limiting U.S. regulation of lithium batteries to standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and to restore FAA authority to take regulatory action in this area on its own.

Click here to read Ms Hilton's full report for details of the legislation, the DeFazio Amendment, Chairman Shuster’s response, and next steps to be taken. Subscriber login required.